Playgrounds are a wonderful place for kids to play and get rid of that extra energy they seem to have in abundance during the summer months but they can be dangerous too-especially if they’re not properly maintained. Playground accidents in New York City caused over $20 million worth of injuries (a total of 577 claims) in 2015. But there are a few tips you can use to keep your little ones safer this summer.
1) Beware the Sun
Playground equipment can become extremely hot in the summer sun. One steel statue that children loved to climb in a NYC public park burned one little girl’s hand so severely that she was hospitalized. The Parks Department was ordered to pay a massive financial award to the child’s parents and installed a sun shade over the object to keep it cooler.
2) Heights are Not Your Friend
The vast majority of playground injuries in New York City are caused by falls. Playground equipment like monkey bars and jungle gyms encourage children to climb and swing-which can be tremendous fun-but anytime heights are involved the risk of broken bones, concussions, and head trauma increases dramatically if there is no protective matting underneath.
3) Inspect the Equipment
One of the key contributing factors to playground accidents in New York City’s public parks is broken and worn out equipment. Many times the playground equipment in these parks is years (or even decades) old. Also, be aware that newer playgrounds aren’t necessarily safer according to one report.
4) Supervise Playtime
Keeping an eye on your children as much as you can will help keep their playtime safe.
5) Know Who to Call for Help
If your child has been injured in a playground accident in New York City, call 911 immediately. Don’t delay.
If your child has been injured due to unsafe playground equipment, call an experienced New York City playground accident attorney as soon as possible to put the law on your side.